Information

Turning inserts – shapes, properties

We have sent you a verification email. To verify, just follow the link in the message.

Some technical error. Please try again.

CNC

Insert shapes and their properties – Turning

When we select an insert for an operation, we select it based on these characteristics:

– How versatile it is in cutting different part contours

– Spindle power required to cut

– Vibrations during cutting, which are a result of the extent and direction of cutting forces

– Strength of the insert and its ability to take heavy cuts

This picture shows how the characteristics of inserts change with the shape.

The arrow next to each property indicates the direction in which it increases. Here’s how you interpret the picture:

– Vibration during cutting: This is lowest for V shape, highest for R.

– Ability to turn complex contours: R is the least versatile, V is the most.

– Spindle power requirement: For a given set of cutting parameters, V requires the lowest spindle power, R requires the highest.

– Strength of insert: V has the lowest strength, R is the strongest.

– Ability to take heavy cuts: V has the least ability to take heavy cuts, while R has the highest.

Action point

Please consider these characteristics when selecting an insert for an operation. It takes very little time, but can make a big difference to cycle time and profitability.

Etc

Why all those bent trees ?

I was jogging near Marina beach in Chennai one morning, and noticed that a lot of trees on the footpath were bent away from the road. Not just a few random trees, but most of them. Either the trunk itself was bent away from the road, or the foliage was concentrated on the side away from the road.

It was like the trees were trying to get away from something on the road. Logically, they should have been moving towards the road because it had greater sun light. Why were they moving away from the road ?

I still don’t have an answer to the question, and think it might be one of these:

1. The tar on the road gets uncomfortably hot, and the trees are bending away from the heat.

2. The vehicles moving on the road caused a wind to blow, and the trees were bending away from the road from even as tiny saplings.

3. Even the trees can’t stand the vehicular pollution, and bend away from it. Except the CO2 of course, which they ingest. The other stuff they probably hate – CO, NOx, SO2, the Lead.

I like to think it’s the last reason. If I’d been a tree, I I definitely would bend away from the pollution.